A New Chapter?

Read Romans 15:1-6

Context: Paul has been discussing how Christians should work with others who may be newer (or weaker) in the faith to help build them up.

Text:
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

Footnotes:

Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:9
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Tucked in the middle of these verses is a statement about the Scriptures that doesn't seem to fit. Paul has been talking about how we should support others whose faith may tell them they can't eat or drink certain things. He asks us to be strong, holding up others who may not be as strong, and doing good to all just as Jesus did. He quotes a scripture, then feels the need to remind us that Scriptures are to teach us and give us hope.

Have you ever thought about what the Bible would look like if it were written by today's journalists? Take away the inspiration of God and it might be a...um...'fascinating' story. Depending on the perspective of the author, it could be a really nice, happy story of perfect people who always do what is right. Or it could be a total expose, showing how the 'giants' of the faith were always weak, sinful, and human.

But God ensured that we are able to see both the good and the bad of those in the past. He shows how the greatest leaders, Moses, David, Solomon, Peter, Paul, and others could show incredible faith one day and give in to temptation the next. The stories demonstrate the difficulties of continually following the path God has set out for us, along with the glory we can look forward to in Heaven. It helps us have hope that each of us will have the chance to spend eternity with God despite our failings.

If God would ask someone to write a new book for the Bible, who would be the heroes of the faith today? It might not be the giants -- Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, or even Max Lucado. They would have their place, but I bet God would look for his good and faithful servants in less visible places -- people like you who persevere through life's trials and cling daily to Jesus' robe!